Auditions

Repertoire

Undergraduate (Performance, Music Ed., BA)

For the undergraduate harp audition, please prepare:

  1. Three solo (unaccompanied) works
    • Choose works that demonstrate your current level of performance and a broad command of stylistic differences.
    • At least two of the works should be performed from memory.
    • Original works for harp are preferred, but it is acceptable to include one transcription, particularly for repertoire from the Baroque or Classical periods. Examples would include works by D. Scarlatti, Galuppi, Haydn, J.S. Bach, etc.
    • One of your solos should be written after 1950. You may use music for the performance of contemporary scores.
  2. One cadenza from the standard orchestral repertoire
    • Please choose from the following list:
      • Britten – Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
      • Donizetti – Lucia di Lammermoor (any edition)
      • Ravel – Tzigane
      • Tchaikovsky – Waltz of the Flowers OR Swan Lake
  3. Sight-reading during the audition.

 

 

 

Audition Requirements for Minor in Harp

To apply for a Minor in Harp Studies, please prepare:

  1. Two solo (unaccompanied) works
    • Choose works that demonstrate your current level of performance.
    • Both works should be performed from memory, if possible.
  2.  One etude (memory not required): choose one from Bochsa, Pozzoli, Dizi, Nadermann, or Larivière
  3. Sight-reading may be required during the audition.

 

 

 

Graduate (MM, DMA)

For the graduate harp audition (MM or DMA), please prepare:

 

  1. Three solo (unaccompanied) works
    • Choose works that demonstrate your current level of performance and a broad command of stylistic differences.
    • At least two of the works should be performed from memory.
    • Original works for harp are preferred, but it is acceptable to include one transcription, particularly for repertoire from the Baroque or Classical periods. You are also welcome to include your own transcription of a work, but music must be provided to the panel during the audition.
    • One of your solos should be written after 1950. You may use music for the performance of contemporary scores.
  2. Concerto excerpt (choose one)
    • Mozart, Concerto for Harp, 1st movement (no cadenza)
    • Handel, Concerto for Harp in Bb Major, 1st movement (no repeats)
    • Ravel, Introduction et Allegro, complete
    • Debussy, Danses, complete
  3. One orchestral excerpt or cadenza from the following list:
    • Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, Harp 1 (Mvt. II: beginning to 1 measure after Reh 33)
    • Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (cadenza)
    • Debussy: La Mer, Harp 1 (Mvt. I: Reh 2-6 and Mvt II: 4 measures after Reh 33 to 5 measures after Reh 36)
    • Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (cadenza; any edition)
    • Moncayo: Huapango (5 measures after Reh 7 to Reh 10)
    • Ravel: Tzigane (cadenza)
    • Strauss: Salome’s Dance, Harp 1 (letter F to V)
    • Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements (Mvt. III: 1 measure before Reh 172 to 177)
    • Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake (cadenza)

How to Apply

  • Apply to the University of Arizona via the Office of Admissions
  • Submit your application to the Fred Fox School of Music via Get Acceptd
  • For the 2022 audition season, prospective harp students may audition in one of three ways: live (in person), live-online, or with a video recording. Live auditions will be held on February 4th and 5th, 2022. If auditioning by video recording, we encourage submission of videos by February 11, 2022. Please contact Assistant Director of Student Services David Boulton to schedule your audition during regular audition dates. If you would prefer an alternative date, it may be possible to arrange individual auditions directly with the studio professor.
  • Prospective students are encouraged to submit applications to both the University of Arizona and the Fred Fox School of Music by December 1, 2021 for best scholarship consideration.
  • Please consult the harp repertoire requirements for our Undergraduate and Graduate programs and email Dr. Gott at gottharp@arizona.edu with any questions. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Gott for a trial lesson!
  • Graduate students are required to submit additional material:
    • Academic transcripts
    • Resume/CV
    • 1-2 page Statement of Purpose
    • 3 letters of reference
    • TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
  • Students interested in a graduate teaching assistantship (GA) will need to submit further materials required for each position. Currently, the harp GA position is filled, but other opportunities are available in the Fred Fox School of Music and the College of Fine Arts.
Prospective students are welcome to email Dr. Gott at gottharp@arizona.edu with any questions or to schedule a trial lesson!